eberlestock x2 vs. hornhunter mainbeam

[jerm8352]

I am in the market for a new hunting pack. The bookbag I bought at Walmart just isn't cutting it anymore and after hauling out elk quarters by slinging the game bags over my shoulder for miles this season, I want to upgrade. I almost exclusively day hunt, so I am not looking for something to live out of. I just want something to help make packing out elk easier. I am currently looking at the Eberlestock x2 and the Hornhunter Mainbeam. They both have excellent reviews but the Hornhunter is about $40 cheaper. Anyone with any experience with these bags or other suggestions? I am looking to stay in the $150 or so price range. The Hornhunter is about $150 on Amazon and the Eberlestock is around $190. Thanks for any help,

Jeremy

 

[coatimundi01]

I have the X2. Be sure to try one on before you buy if you decide on this pack As the torso length isn't adjustable. That said it fits me well, and I wear it non stop unless I'm glassing. Most I've had packed in it was my feb javelina which dressed out almost 40lb. I guess the pack was around 50lb total. That's probably the max weight it'll handle comfortably. I always have a 2L bladder in one side wing and my tripod in the other. You can easily strap a bow to it for hiking out in the dark, and it'll work for taking the first load of meat out before getting a pack frame for the rest.

Here it is loaded with my stinkpig.

Last sept elk hunting.

 

[tdcour]

I think there is another thread on here about the horn hunter packs, and with that being said I have the mainbeam and use it as my day pack. Like the X2, it isn't adjustable on torso length and will really only handle 50-60 pounds. I know you can put more in there, but the shoulder straps aren't really made for that in my opinion. I have used it to pack out deer but never elk. If you get an elk quarter, you better bone it out or it will be way too heavy for the pack. Overall, I've had the pack for around 5 years if I remember correctly. It's a little heavy on its own, but I love being able to strap my bow to my pack and the bat wings on the sides are great for the spotter and tripod. I also have a water bladder that I use... 3L I think.

 

[jerm8352]

Thanks for the replies. What do you guys recommend for packing out elk?

 

[okielite]

Thanks for the replies. What do you guys recommend for packing out elk?

Horses....

 

[tdcour]

Horses....

HA! that cracked me up. He is right though! If it is going out on your back, I personally recommend an external frame pack, bag or no bag attached. I don't think the internal frame/stays like the horn hunter has hold up and carry weight as well as the external frames.

 

[ssliger]

If you want to meet up one day you can look at the packs I have used. To see if they would work before you buy something. I have a Eberlestock Gunslinger, a Badlands 4500. I also have an EXO 3500, with a 5500 bag on order as well. It was night and day going to a higher end pack though.

 

[mrcowboy]

I'm gonna eavesdrop on your pack thread. I also am looking for new pack. Bought Badlands two years ago and the Badlands zippers didn't hold up very well. Disappointed with pack for the $ tag that it was. I'm going to hit local sports stores this weekend to window shop to see what is out there.

 

[jerm8352]

Ssliger, I might take you up on that. Thanks for the replies guys. My wife and I just had a son, our first kid so the budget is tight. Thats why I was looking at "economy" models

 

[tdcour]

I understand that! Our first turns two in July. Kids are expensive pets

 

[ssliger]

Ssliger, I might take you up on that. Thanks for the replies guys. My wife and I just had a son, our first kid so the budget is tight. Thats why I was looking at "economy" models

I'll let you use my badlands 4500 this upcoming fall. Then you can save your money. Hell, you can use it till you can get the pack you want to buy.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jerm8352]

Wow. Thanks man!

 

[jerm8352]

Thanks for all the advice. My wife actually went out and got me a horn hunter full curl system for my birthday. I guess i will be using that for awhile!